Good morning Petals,
My final InterRailing post is only a little one as we were only in Amsterdam for two days and in that time my wisdom teeth were coming through. Luckily, I managed to grin and bear it and tick a few things off my list!
Needless to say, in the wee time we spent here I was bewitched with the city's colours, endless flowers and general green essence. Our initial intentions were to rent a bike in Amsterdam, but I'm so glad we didn't as they really take it up a notch here. The bike to car ratio would've been a little too overwhelming and intimidating for a rookie like me.
During our stay, we crashed in The Flying Pig Uptown hostel which is hands down the best hostel I've ever stayed in. Literally everything about this place is bob on; the location, the people, the energy and the AMAZING bar. We also found ourselves right on the cusp of the city's largest and most lively park, Vondel Park - a fantastic spot to people watch and unwind. The hostel's walls were also adorned with notes and quotes from past and present backpackers, which reflects its laid back attitude.
I'M IN HOSTEL HEAVEN #JABBERWOCKY #LEWISCARROLL / THE SECRET GARDEN
One of the first things I did when we arrived, was hit up Albert Heijn (Holland's answer to Tesco) for my obligatory supermarket sweep. Amsterdam's selection of tea are what dreams are made of: apple pie, green tea with coconut... You can take the girl out of England, but you can't take the England out of the girl! I ended up squeezing quite a few boxes of green tea with coconut home, which helps make green tea more bearable. (When are we going to stop pretending green tea tastes nice?)
Before I left blighty, my Dutch friend who knows about my Nutella fixation told me to try Chocomel the second I get to Amsterdam. Let's just say, it's any 'spacers' heaven.
If you're ever in Amsterdam, hunt a bar of Tony's Chocolonely down. Their lovely jubbly chocolate is practically right out of Willy Wonka's factory and also charitable. Guilt free chocolate, who knew?
One of the first things I did when we arrived, was hit up Albert Heijn (Holland's answer to Tesco) for my obligatory supermarket sweep. Amsterdam's selection of tea are what dreams are made of: apple pie, green tea with coconut... You can take the girl out of England, but you can't take the England out of the girl! I ended up squeezing quite a few boxes of green tea with coconut home, which helps make green tea more bearable. (When are we going to stop pretending green tea tastes nice?)
Before I left blighty, my Dutch friend who knows about my Nutella fixation told me to try Chocomel the second I get to Amsterdam. Let's just say, it's any 'spacers' heaven.
If you're ever in Amsterdam, hunt a bar of Tony's Chocolonely down. Their lovely jubbly chocolate is practically right out of Willy Wonka's factory and also charitable. Guilt free chocolate, who knew?
DALE WINTON WOULD BE PROUD
On our first night, it was my friend Theo's 20th trip around the sun, so we went on a little venture. We ended up finding a hidden gem: The Piano bar. Free entry, electric energy and request coasters. Naturally, I couldn't resist requesting a Fleetwood Mac number (it's in my veins).
This was also the night we 'fell down the rabbit hole'. All I'm going to say on the matter is three things; The Bulldog, when in Rome and live & let live!
HIGH FROM AMSTERDAM / MY MECCA
Amsterdam was as beautiful as it was cold; no, really. Make sure you pack an umbrella and extra layers as I almost resorted to buying gloves!
BEAUTIFUL DUTCH MORNING / THIS BUNCH SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN TV SHOW, FIGHTING CRIME AND SPITTING COCKNEY RHYMING SLANG #BULLDOG #KEITHMARVIN #DOGANDBONE
On our first morning in the city, we woke up bright and early and made a beeline to the Anne Frank museum. Although time was against us in our final city, nothing was going to stop me from visiting this museum. I first read Anne's diary when I was twelve and her vivid descriptions are still seared in my brain. I had goosebumps from the moment I walked in, until the moment I left; my hands where even shaking as I entered her bedroom and when I later glanced over the glass shield protecting her diary. The real, worn orange and white checked diary. Truly humbling.
Looking back at all my travel photos and mementos for these posts have made me even more grateful for my magnificent friends and eager to see every corner of the world.
My mum has lead a very rich tapestry of life and travelled the world as a dancer when she was my age. During her early twenties, she lived in Israel, Australia and Japan (to name a few) and always ingrained in me that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.
I couldn't agree more.
My mum has lead a very rich tapestry of life and travelled the world as a dancer when she was my age. During her early twenties, she lived in Israel, Australia and Japan (to name a few) and always ingrained in me that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.
I couldn't agree more.
